The body of jurors of the International Popular Tribunal of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) called together for a session of debate on 11 March 2004 hereby decided unanimously that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that genetically modified organisms will not harm the environment, biodiversity, and human health.
It further decided (by a unanimous vote) that there is not sufficient evidence available to famers and consumers over the situation of genetically modified organisms such as their analysis process, the production and monitoring of tests and studies, and the commercial liberation of genetically modified organisms has not been conducted in enough of a calculated and participative way.
As for the conduct of the accused, the company of Monsanto and the Agricultural Federation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the jury members decided unanimously that there is evidence that both the accused and public organs are co-responsible for the illegal spreading of genetically modified seeds, putting at risk the health of the environmnent, biodiversity, the population, and the brazilian economy.
Stemming from the verdict of the body of jurors, this tribunal arrives at the following conclusions:
1. There is a lack of adequate study over the introduction of genetically modified organisms into agricultural production and consumption. As such, independent studies need to be conducted in order to verify the safety of these products.
2. That Monsanto and the Agricultural Federation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul contributed to the illegal speading of genetically modified organisms in Brazil, which could be considered a contraband crime as according to article 334 of the penal code, and the illegal spreading of genetically modified organisms set by article number 13, part V of law number 8.974/95.
3. It is necesary that the National Congress listen to society, through an ample consultation, so that social, environmental and scientific aspects of the new law of Biosecurity, now in the Federal Senate, be attended to. Furthermore, it is essential that the Principle of Precaution be debated in the Biosecurity law to be passed, guaranteeing the realization of reasearch and study over the environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms, used for commercial or research means in nature.
Before these conclusions:
A. We demand that the Monsanto company S/A clarify what are the genetic modifications that the seeds sold in Argentina from 1995 to 2004 contained, in particular the species of gene or introduced gene in the modificated seeds.
B. That environmental fiscalization organs implement effective policies capable of reverting the spreading of genetically modified seeds in Brazil, occurying in total disaccord with existing law.
C. That civil society continue to demand fiscalization and participation in areas of interest for this and future generations.
The complaints here presented, as well as the facts that have been debated here, will be forwarded to the following organs:
Special Representatives of the Environment and Nutrition of the Organization of the United Nations.
Social and Economic Council of the Organization of American States
Presidency of the Republic
Ministers of Agriculture and Environment
Presidency of the Senate
